Motorway rules test (with hints)

A crawler lane on a motorway is found*

on a steep gradient

before a service area

before a junction

along the hard shoulder

Slow-moving, large vehicles might slow down the progress of other traffic. On a steep gradient this extra lane is provided for these slow-moving vehicles to allow the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

When joining a motorway you must always*

use the hard shoulder

stop at the end of the acceleration lane

come to a stop before joining the motorway

give way to traffic already on the motorway

You should give way to traffic already on the motorway. Where possible they may move over to let you in but don’t force your way into the traffic stream. The traffic may be travelling at high speed so you should match your speed to fit in.

A basic rule when on motorways is*

use the lane that has least traffic

keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking

overtake on the side that is clearest

try to keep above 50 mph to prevent congestion

You should normally travel in the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking a slower- moving vehicle. When you are past that vehicle move back into the left-hand lane as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t cut across in front of the vehicle that you’re overtaking.

Immediately after joining a motorway you should normally*

try to overtake

re-adjust your mirrors

position your vehicle in the centre lane

keep in the left-hand lane

Stay in the left-hand lane long enough to get used to the higher speeds of motorway traffic.

An Emergency Refuge Area is an area*

on a motorway for use in cases of emergency or breakdown

for use if you think you will be involved in a road rage incident

on a motorway for a police patrol to park and watch traffic

for construction and road workers to store emergency equipment

Emergency Refuge Areas may be found at the side of the hard shoulder about 500 metres apart. If you break down you should use them rather than the hard shoulder if you are able. When re-joining the motorway you must remember to take extra care especially when the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane within an Active Traffic Management area. Try to match your speed to that of traffic in the lane you are joining.

You are in the right-hand lane on a motorway. You see these overhead signs. This means*

move to the left and reduce your speed to 50 mph

there are roadworks 50 metres (55 yards) ahead

use the hard shoulder until you have passed the hazard

leave the motorway at the next exit

You MUST obey this sign. There might not be any visible signs of a problem ahead. However, there might be queuing traffic or another hazard which you cannot yet see.

What is the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles in the centre lane of a three- lane motorway?*

40 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Unless shown otherwise, the speed limit on a motorway applies to all the lanes. Look out for any signs of speed limit changes due to roadworks or traffic flow control.

The aim of an Active Traffic Management scheme on a motorway is to*

prevent overtaking

reduce rest stops

prevent tailgating

reduce congestion

Active Traffic Management schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. It may appear that you could travel faster for a short distance, but keeping traffic flow at a constant speed may improve your journey time.

You get a puncture on the motorway. You manage to get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder. You should*

change the wheel yourself immediately

use the emergency telephone and call for assistance

try to wave down another vehicle for help

only change the wheel if you have a passenger to help you

Due to the danger from passing traffic you should park as far to the left as you can and leave the vehicle by the nearside door. Do not attempt even simple repairs. Instead walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the road and phone for assistance. While waiting for assistance to arrive wait near your car, keeping well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.

You are travelling on a motorway. You decide you need a rest. You should*

stop on the hard shoulder

pull in at the nearest service area

pull up on a slip road

park on the central reservation

If you feel tired stop at the nearest service area. If it’s too far away leave the motorway at the next exit and find a safe place to stop. You must not stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, in a traffic queue, when signalled to do so by a police or enforcement officer, or by traffic signals. Plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops.

You are on a three-lane motorway. A red cross is shown above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes. This means*

the hard shoulder can be used as a rest area if you feel tired

the hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only

the hard shoulder can be used as a normal running lane

the hard shoulder has a speed limit of 50 mph

A red cross above the hard shoulder shows it is closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times within an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above.

You are on a motorway. There are red flashing lights above every lane. You must*

pull onto the hard shoulder

slow down and watch for further signals

leave at the next exit

stop and wait

Red flashing lights above every lane mean you must not go on any further. You’ll also see a red cross illuminated. Stop and wait. Don’t
• change lanes
• continue
• pull onto the hard shoulder (unless in an emergency).

You are on a motorway in an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area. A mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?*

You should not travel in this lane

The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane

You can park on the hard shoulder if you feel tired

You can pull up in this lane to answer a mobile phone

A mandatory speed limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that it can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.

What restrictions apply to new drivers holding a provisional driving licence?*

They can't drive over 30 mph

They can't drive at night

They can't drive unaccompanied

They can't drive with more than one passenger

You won't be able to drive unaccompanied until you've passed your practical driving test. When you’ve passed, it's a good idea to ask your instructor to take you for a lesson on the motorway. Alternatively, you could take part in the Pass Plus scheme. This has been created for new drivers and includes motorway driving. Ask your instructor for details.

You are approaching roadworks on a motorway. What should you do?*

Speed up to clear the area quickly

Always use the hard shoulder

Obey all speed limits

Stay very close to the vehicle in front

Collisions can often happen at roadworks. Be aware of the speed limits, slow down in good time and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

You are joining a motorway. Why is it important to make full use of the slip road?*

Because there is space available to turn round if you need to

To allow you direct access to the overtaking lanes

To build up a speed similar to traffic on the motorway

Because you can continue on the hard shoulder

Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic already travelling on it. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.

Why can it be an advantage for traffic speed to stay constant over a longer distance?*

You will do more stop-start driving

You will use far more fuel

You will be able to use more direct routes

Your overall journey time will normally improve

When traffic travels at a constant speed over a longer distance, journey times normally improve. You may feel that you could travel faster for short periods but this won’t generally improve your overall journey time. Signs will show the maximum speed at which you should travel.

You should not normally travel on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When can you use it?*

When taking the next exit

When traffic is stopped

When signs direct you to

When traffic is slow moving

Normally you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns, and at roadworks when signs direct you to do so. Active Traffic Management (ATM) areas are being introduced to ease traffic congestion. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane when speed limit signs are shown directly above.

You are travelling along the left-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. Traffic is joining from a slip road. You should*

race the other vehicles

move to another lane

maintain a steady speed

switch on your hazard flashers

You should move to another lane if it is safe to do so. This can greatly assist the flow of traffic joining the motorway, especially at peak times.

On a motorway the amber reflective studs can be found between*

the hard shoulder and the carriageway

the acceleration lane and the carriageway

the central reservation and the carriageway

each pair of the lanes

On motorways reflective studs are located into the road to help you in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?*

Amber

White

Green

Red

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there is a slip road. They will help you identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it is dark.

The left-hand lane of a motorway should be used for*

breakdowns and emergencies only

overtaking slower traffic in the other lanes

slow vehicles only

normal driving

You should keep to the left-hand lane whenever possible. Only use the other lanes for overtaking or when directed by signals. Using other lanes when the left- hand lane is empty can frustrate drivers behind you.

How should you use the emergency telephone on a motorway?*

Stay close to the carriageway

Face the oncoming traffic

Keep your back to the traffic

Stand on the hard shoulder

Traffic is passing you at speed. If the draught from a large lorry catches you by surprise it could blow you off balance and even onto the carriageway. By facing the oncoming traffic you can see approaching lorries and so be prepared for their draught. You are also in a position to see other hazards approaching.

What is the national speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles?*

30 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Travelling at the national speed limit doesn’t allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.

After a breakdown you need to rejoin the main carriageway of a motorway from the hard shoulder. You should*

move out onto the carriageway then build up your speed

move out onto the carriageway using your hazard lights

gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway

wait on the hard shoulder until someone flashes their headlights at you

Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move out. Indicate your intention and use the hard shoulder to gain speed but don’t force your way into the traffic.

For what reason may you use the right-hand lane of a motorway?*

For keeping out of the way of lorries

For travelling at more than 70 mph

For turning right

For overtaking other vehicles

The right-hand lane of the motorway is for overtaking. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or a traffic incident. This will be indicated by signs or officers directing the traffic.

You are driving on a motorway. The car ahead shows its hazard lights for a short time. This tells you that*

the driver wants you to overtake

the other car is going to change lanes

traffic ahead is slowing or stopping suddenly

there is a police speed check ahead

If the vehicle in front shows its hazard lights there may be an incident or queuing traffic ahead. As well as keeping a safe distance, look beyond it to help you get an early warning of any hazards and a picture of the situation ahead.

You are driving at 70 mph on a three-lane motorway. There is no traffic ahead. Which lane should you use?*

Any lane

Middle lane

Right lane

Left lane

If the left-hand lane is free you should use it, regardless of the speed you’re travelling.

You are on a motorway. There is a contraflow system ahead. What would you expect to find?*

Temporary traffic lights

Lower speed limits

Wider lanes than normal

Speed humps

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?*

Green

Amber

White

Red

White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. The light from your headlights is reflected back and this is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.

Which of these IS NOT allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?*

A small delivery van

A motorcycle

A vehicle towing a trailer

A motorcycle and side-car

A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason it isn’t allowed in the right-hand lane as it might hold up the faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.

Your vehicle has broken down on a motorway. You are not able to stop on the hard shoulder. What should you do?*

Switch on your hazard warning lights

Stop following traffic and ask for help

Attempt to repair your vehicle quickly

Stand behind your vehicle to warn others

If you can’t get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, use your hazard warning lights to warn others. Leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway. Do not try to repair the vehicle or attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway.

On a motorway you may only stop on the hard shoulder*

in an emergency

if you feel tired and need to rest

if you miss the exit that you wanted

to pick up a hitchhiker

You should only stop on the hard shoulder in a genuine emergency. DON’T stop on it to have a rest or picnic, pick up hitchhikers, answer a mobile phone or check a map. If you miss your intended exit carry on to the next, never reverse along the hard shoulder.

What is an Emergency Refuge Area on a motorway for?*

An area to park in when you want to use a mobile phone

To use in cases of emergency or breakdown

For an emergency recovery vehicle to park in a contra-flow system

To drive in when there is queuing traffic ahead

In cases of breakdown or emergency try to get your vehicle into an Emergency Refuge Area. This is safer than just stopping on the hard shoulder as it gives you greater distance from the main carriageway. If you are able to re-join the motorway you must take extra care, especially when the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane.

Motorway emergency telephones connect to the police or which other organisation?*

The Highways Agency.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.

The local Vehicle Registration Office.

In some areas motorway telephones are now linked to a Highways Agency control centre, instead of the police. Highways Agency Traffic Officers work in partnership with the police and assist at motorway emergencies and incidents. They are recognised by a high-visibility orange and yellow jacket and high-visibility vehicle with yellow and black chequered markings.

You have broken down on a motorway. To find the nearest emergency telephone you should always walk*

with the traffic flow

facing oncoming traffic

in the direction shown on the marker posts

in the direction of the nearest exit

Along the hard shoulder there are marker posts at 100-metre intervals. These will direct you to the nearest emergency telephone.

What do these motorway signs show?*

They are countdown markers to a bridge

They are distance markers to the next telephone

They are countdown markers to the next exit

They warn of a police control ahead

The exit from a motorway is indicated by countdown markers. These are positioned 90 metres (100 yards) apart, the first being 270 metres (300 yards) from the start of the slip road. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the start of the slip road.

Which vehicles are prohibited from using the motorway?*

Powered mobility scooters

Motorcycles over 50cc

Double-deck buses

Cars with automatic transmission

Motorways mustn’t be used by pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles under 50 cc, certain slow-moving vehicles without permission, and powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters.

What should you use the hard shoulder of a motorway for?*

Stopping in an emergency

Leaving the motorway

Stopping when you are tired

Joining the motorway

Don’t use the hard shoulder for stopping unless it is an emergency. If you want to stop for any other reason go to the next exit or service station.

On motorways you should never overtake on the left unless*

you can see well ahead that the hard shoulder is clear

the traffic in the right-hand lane is signalling right

you warn drivers behind by signalling left

there is a queue of slow-moving traffic to your right that is moving more slowly than you are

Only overtake on the left if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the traffic on your right is moving more slowly than the traffic in your lane.

You are intending to leave the motorway at the next exit. Before you reach the exit you should normally position your vehicle*

in the middle lane

in the left-hand lane

on the hard shoulder

in any lane

You’ll see the first advance direction sign one mile from the exit. If you’re travelling at 60 mph in the right-hand lane you’ll only have about 50 seconds before you reach the countdown markers. There will be another sign at the half-mile point. Move in to the left-hand lane in good time. Don’t cut across traffic at the last moment and don’t risk missing your exit.

You are on a three-lane motorway towing a trailer. You may use the right-hand lane when*

there are lane closures

there is slow moving traffic

you can maintain a high speed

large vehicles are in the left and centre lanes

If you are towing a caravan or trailer you must not use the right-hand lane on a motorway with three or more lanes, except in certain circumstances, such as lane closures.

On a motorway what is used to reduce traffic bunching?*

Variable speed limits

Contraflow systems

National speed limits

Lane closures

Congestion can be reduced by keeping traffic at a constant speed. At busy times maximum speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries. These can be varied quickly depending on the amount of traffic. By keeping to a constant speed on busy sections of motorway overall journey times are normally improved.

You are on a motorway. You become tired and decide you need to rest. What should you do?*

Stop on the hard shoulder

Pull up on a slip road

Park on the central reservation

Leave at the next exit

Ideally you should plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops. If you do become tired leave at the next exit, or pull in at a service area if this is sooner.

You are travelling on a motorway. Unless signs show a lower speed limit you must NOT exceed*

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

80 mph

The national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on the motorway is 70 mph. Lower speed limits may be in force, for example at roadworks, so look out for the signs. Variable speed limits operate in some areas to control very busy stretches of motorway. The speed limit may change depending on the volume of traffic.

You are driving on a motorway. You have to slow down quickly due to a hazard. You should*

switch on your hazard lights

switch on your headlights

sound your horn

flash your headlights

Using your hazard lights, as well as brake lights, will give following traffic an extra warning of the problem ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

You break down on a motorway. You need to call for help. Why may it be better to use an emergency roadside telephone rather than a mobile phone?*

It connects you to a local garage

Using a mobile phone will distract other drivers

It allows easy location by the emergency services

Mobile phones do not work on motorways

On a motorway it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to locate you easily. The nearest telephone is shown by an arrow on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder. If you use a mobile, they will need to know your exact location. Before you call, find out the number on the nearest marker post. This number will identify your exact location.

You are allowed to stop on a motorway when you*

need to walk and get fresh air

wish to pick up hitchhikers

are told to do so by flashing red lights

need to use a mobile telephone

You MUST stop if there are red lights flashing above every lane on the motorway. However, if any of the other lanes do not show flashing red lights or red cross you may move into that lane and continue if it is safe to do so.

You are on a three-lane motorway. There are red reflective studs on your left and white ones to your right. Where are you?*

In the right-hand lane

In the middle lane

On the hard shoulder

In the left-hand lane

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
• red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
• white – lane markings
• amber – between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
• green – along slip road exits and entrances
• bright green/yellow – roadworks and contraflow systems.

The left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway is for use by*

any vehicle

large vehicles only

emergency vehicles only

slow vehicles only

On a motorway all traffic should use the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Use the centre or right-hand lanes if you need to overtake. If you’re overtaking a number of slower vehicles move back to the left-hand lane when you’re safely past. Check your mirrors frequently and don’t stay in the middle or right-hand lane if the left-hand lane is free.

Motorway emergency telephones are usually linked to the police. In some areas they are now linked to*

the local ambulance service

a Highways Agency control centre

the local fire brigade

a breakdown service control centre

The controller will ask you
• the make and colour of your vehicle
• whether you are a member of an emergency breakdown service
• the number shown on the emergency telephone casing
• whether you are travelling alone.

You are towing a trailer on a motorway. What is your maximum speed limit?*

40 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Don’t forget that you’re towing a trailer. If you’re towing a small, light, trailer, it won’t reduce your vehicle’s performance by very much. However, strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles might cause the trailer to snake from side to side. Be aware of your speed and don’t exceed the lower limit imposed.

When may you stop on a motorway?*

If you have to read a map

When you are tired and need a rest

If your mobile phone rings

In an emergency or breakdown

You should not normally stop on a motorway but there may be occasions when you need to do so. If you are unfortunate enough to break down make every effort to pull up on the hard shoulder.

You are in an Active Traffic Management area on a motorway. When the Actively Managed mode is operating*

speed limits are only advisory

the national speed limit will apply

the speed limit is always 30 mph

all speed limit signals are set

When an Active Traffic Management (ATM) scheme is operating on a motorway you MUST follow the mandatory instructions shown on the gantries above each lane. This includes the hard shoulder.

What should you do when going through a contraflow system on a motorway?*

Use dipped beam headlights

Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead

Switch lanes to keep the traffic flowing

Stay close to the vehicle ahead to reduce queues

At roadworks, and especially where a contraflow system is operating, a speed restriction is likely to be in place. Keep to the lower speed limit and don't
• switch lanes
• get too close to the vehicle in front of you.
Be aware that there will be no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.

Your vehicle breaks down on the hard shoulder of a motorway. You decide to use your mobile phone to call for help. You should*

stand at the rear of the vehicle while making the call

try to repair the vehicle yourself

get out of the vehicle by the right-hand door

check your location from the marker posts on the left

The emergency services need to know your exact location so they can reach you as quickly as possible. Look for a number on the nearest marker post beside the hard shoulder. Give this number when you call the emergency services as it will help them to locate you. Be ready to describe where you are, for example, by reference to the last junction or service station you passed.

On a three-lane motorway which lane should you normally use?*

Left

Right

Centre

Either the right or centre

On a three-lane motorway you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you’re travelling.

You are on a motorway. A red cross is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?*

Pull up in this lane to answer your mobile phone

Use this lane as a running lane

This lane can be used if you need a rest

You should not travel in this lane

Active Traffic Management schemes are being introduced on motorways. Within these areas at certain times the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that this lane should NOT be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

When using a motorway it’s important that you*

look much further ahead than you would using other roads

drive much faster than you would on other roads

clean your windscreen more often than you would on other roads

concentrate more than you would on other roads

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

Traffic officers operate on motorways and some primary routes in England and Wales. What are they authorised to do?*

Stop and arrest drivers who break the law

Repair broken-down vehicles on the motorway

Issue fixed penalty notices

Stop and direct anyone on a motorway

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers but are able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They operate in England and Wales and work in partnership with the police at incidents, providing a highly trained and visible service. They're recognised by an orange-and-yellow jacket and their vehicle has yellow-and-black markings.

What is the right-hand lane used for on a three-lane motorway?*

Emergency vehicles only

Overtaking

Vehicles towing trailers

Coaches only

You should keep to the left and only use the right-hand lane if you’re passing slower-moving traffic.

You are on a three-lane motorway and see this sign. It means you can use*

any lane except the hard shoulder

the hard shoulder only

the three right hand lanes only

all the lanes including the hard shoulder

Mandatory speed limit signs above all lanes including the hard shoulder, show that you are in an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area. In this case you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look out for any vehicles that may have broken down and be blocking the hard shoulder.

You are travelling on a motorway. A red cross is shown above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?*

Use this lane as a rest area

Use this as a normal running lane

Do not use this lane to travel in

National speed limit applies in this lane

When a red cross is shown above the hard shoulder it should only be used for breakdowns or emergencies. Within Active Traffic Management (ATM) areas the hard shoulder may sometimes be used as a running lane. Speed limit signs directly above the hard shoulder will show that it’s open.

Why is it particularly important to carry out a check on your vehicle before making a long motorway journey?*

You will have to do more harsh braking on motorways

Motorway service stations do not deal with breakdowns

The road surface will wear down the tyres faster

Continuous high speeds may increase the risk of your vehicle breaking down

Before you start your journey make sure that your vehicle can cope with the demands of high-speed driving. You should check a number of things, the main ones being oil, water and tyres. You also need to plan rest stops if you’re going a long way.

You are on a motorway. What colour are the reflective studs on the left of the carriageway?*

Green

Red

White

Amber

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway the studs are green.

You are driving on a motorway. By mistake, you go past the exit that you wanted to take. You should*

carefully reverse on the hard shoulder

carry on to the next exit

carefully reverse in the left-hand lane

make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation

It is against the law to reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow on a motorway. If you have missed your exit ask yourself if your concentration is fading. It could be that you need to take a rest break before completing your journey.

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